Vauchrétien walks

There are many vineyard huts in this region. The interiors are simple, with whitewashed walls and earthen floors. The fireplace was used for roasting chestnuts. The huts also housed the winegrowers’ tools, and in summer the winegrowers would take a nap there (known as a ‘marienne’ in Anjou). There are several vineyard huts along the route.

Tour through vineyards and picturesque villages along the Loire River. Between breathtaking panoramas, heritage and the scent of vines, all your senses will be awakened!

A beautiful walk through the vineyards around the Château de Brissac, which appears at numerous points along the route.

In the heart of the Anjou vineyards, this walk invites you to discover the living landscapes of the Domaine de la Gonorderie.Between vineyards, terroirs and expertise, the trail reveals the soul of a committed, family-run estate.Young and old alike will find something to enjoy, thanks to a fun treasure hunt for children.A moment to share, surrounded by nature, heritage and a passion for wine.

Are you familiar with the hillsides of Aubance, less famous than those of Layon? After this hike, you will definitely want to taste the wines from the vineyards you will be passing through. The Aubance is a small river that flows into the Louet, itself a branch of the Loire. You are in a hilly, partly wooded landscape, often with unobstructed views. The Château de Noizé is exceptional in terms of its setting and aesthetics. The hike is a little long but very varied, with no significant elevation gain.

Explore the surroundings of Saint-Jean-des-Mauvrets, a small town with a population of 1,500. A pleasant little country stroll.

A lovely walk around the village of Saint-Saturnin-sur-Loire with beautiful views of the river.

This bucolic hike allows you to admire the Loire up close. The wide paths are well suited to group hikes.

On the outskirts of Angers, discover the banks of the Loire, the vine-covered hillsides, the remains of the slate quarries and stroll through the hamlet of Martigneau with its traditional schist houses.

A pleasant walk, starting from Beaulieu-sur-Layon, heading towards the Beaulieu Forest. Along the way, discover the Château de l’Orée. In the forest, the route follows various types of paths, from a wide avenue to a narrow track. The rest of the route offers breathtaking views of the Layon hillsides as it descends to the village of Rablay-sur-Layon via the steep Sillanderie path. On the way back to Beaulieu-sur-Layon, the route passes the Château de la Mulonnière, then takes the Rue du Moulin des Cinq, which offers magnificent views of the surrounding countryside.

A region of woods and heathland, sometimes infested with wolves, the commune of Grézillé has a history dating back to Antiquity, with turbulent periods, particularly during the Revolution. Primarily agricultural, the village was home to tuffeau quarries in the 19th century, which a few decades later became mushroom farms and wine cellars. A gently undulating route that winds through vineyards and woods.

This looped circuit, accessible to all, allows you to discover the landscapes and built heritage of the banks and hillsides of the Aubance in the commune of Mûrs-Érigné. The Aubance is a winding river hidden behind dense vegetation. At a place called "La Chaussée", a statue of the Virgin Mary can be seen before you walk along the wooded foothills of the hillsides near Les Gilardières. Discovering the hamlets of Gaigné, Petit Claye and Grand Claye allows you to appreciate the local heritage (beautiful buildings, chapel). Passing near the village of Mûrs, you can see the sensitive natural area of the Aubance loops, whose biodiversity is protected by the municipality of Mûrs-Érigné and the Layon Aubance Louet Association. This wetland is a reservoir of biodiversity whose various ecological functions are essential to the region.

Walk around the village of Coutures, passing through farmland and vineyards that change constantly with the seasons. There are numerous views of Montasabert Castle and the agricultural plain, which is dominated – particularly in May and June – by artichoke fields. The route follows almost entirely along dry, stony paths.

Discover a magnificent, rugged landscape with exceptional panoramic views and a wealth of flora and fauna all along the Layon. You are in the Coteaux du Pont-Barré Nature Reserve and among the vineyards of the Layon hillsides of Saint-Lambert du Lattay. Discover Pont-Barré, famous for the victory of the Vendéens against the Republicans on 18 and 19 September 1793.

Discover the Layon, the surrounding vineyards and an episode from the Vendée wars.

Stage Two.Leaving the Layon Valley behind for that of the Hyrôme, this stage follows the river as closely as possible, taking in its old watermills and castles, amidst a peaceful, shaded setting. The murmur of the water accompanies walkers through hedgerows, footbridges and sunken paths. As you approach Chemillé, a visit to the Jardin Camifolia extends your immersion in the realm of plants.

This is the third stage of a cycle tour in southern Anjou. The route first follows the Layon between Beaulieu and Faye d'Anjou, then heads towards Brissac-Quincé through forests and vineyards. Leaving the imposing castle behind, you then join the string of villages that line the Loire, before descending to Les Ponts-de-Cé. Crossing the river marks the end of the vineyards and the entrance to the Angers conurbation, the end of the three-day journey.

A beautiful walk through the vineyards where you can see two splendid dolmens and numerous troglodyte dwellings.

Discover the surroundings of Les Ponts-de-Cé between the Authion and the Loire. Part of the route no longer seems accessible; see the reviews for alternatives

An easy route combining tarmac and paths. We will pass through the village of Maligné (one of the largest hamlets in Martigné-Briand), then walk alongside the Stade de Girondeau, before returning to the narrow streets of Martigné and its château.

Hiking route in the forest with slight elevation gain.

A lovely walk alternating between streams, vineyards, hillsides and historical discoveries. It's also a great way to learn interesting facts about the vineyard thanks to the information boards dotted along part of the route. The route is marked in yellow by the Communauté de Communes des Coteaux du Layon, which offers this circuit.

Channelled and culverted, the Mongazon flows beneath your feet; you’ll discover it as you walk. You’ll come across other watercourses – the valley is full of them. You’ll follow the banks of the Authion upstream towards the village of Trélazé. You’ll return via the Levée Napoléon. You’ll climb the Butte du Buisson, which offers an unforgettable view over the valley.A route set mainly in natural surroundings, offering the chance to discover the flora and fauna typical of this ‘industrial wasteland’.

As you pass through parks, gardens and former railway lines now converted into shared-use paths, discover former slate quarries and the housing of this former working-class town. Comprising small villages scattered around former slate deposits, the town is taking on a new look by ‘harmoniously’ integrating its industrial heritage with modern urban planning.

This route allows you to discover the remains of human activity scattered throughout the Anjou countryside (dolmens, menhirs, wash houses, mills, priories), as well as numerous troglodytic constructions of varying sizes.

Short hike starting from Épiré, through the countryside and vineyards of Savennières, then back along the Loire. There are a few steep ascents and descents, so make sure you wear good shoes.

On the borders of Layon and Mauges, this village nestled around its bell tower offers a hilly route between the hillsides and the Hyrôme valley. Family hike starting from Chanzeaux.

Discover the area around Chanzeaux through its mills and enjoy the tranquillity of the Hyrôme during part of your walk! Park at the Poizeaux car park and make use of the picnic tables before or after your walk. A small path winds through the hedgerows towards the hamlet of Saint-Ambroise and its little chapel.

Hike through the Baumette floodplains, leading to the confluence of the Loire and Maine rivers. N.B. This hike is only possible during low water periods, from May to October-November. In any case, check in advance.

The first stage of the cycle loop in the Anjou vineyards, this route joins the Loire, first following the Maine to its confluence, then running alongside the river, passing under the Savennières vineyards. A short stop in Béhuard is a must to discover this unique place, then return to the north bank to Port Giraud, where you cross one of the branches of the Loire to take the small roads of the Île de Chalonnes and reach Montjean-sur-Loire, the end of this first day.

This loop offers a chance to discover the rivers that flow through the south of Angers, and the vineyards that have colonised the area. In three stages, starting in Angers, you first travel down the Maine as far as Bouchemaine, then follow the north bank of the Loire, with an incursion onto the island of Béhuard. The first stage ends at Montjean-sur-Loire, on the back roads around the island of Chalonnes. The next day, the route heads for Chalonnes-sur-Loire and the Corniche Angevine before descending to the Layon. Stop off at Beaulieu-sur-Layon. Finally, we follow the Layon again as far as Faye d'Anjou. After the Layon hillsides, you enter the Aubence hillsides, whose wines are no less renowned. After Brissac-Quincé and its astonishing château, you return to the Loire, passing through the villages along its banks until you reach Les Ponts-de-Cé. Crossing over to the north bank, we leave the vineyards for Angers, which we return to after three busy days.

Go for a walk around Valanjou, where you’ll discover the Moulin de Gué Robert and the Bois de Lala.

Hike around Pruniers with a section along the banks of the Maine and a viewpoint over Angers at the promontory. This is followed by a walk through the village to discover the different periods of construction and, at the end of the route, a path through the countryside.

Angers is a city in western France, situated beside the Maine River, on the outskirts of the Loire Valley. The medieval seat of the Plantagenet dynasty, it boasts an old town featuring half-timbered houses, such as the superb Maison d’Adam (built around 1500). Saint-Maurice Cathedral, on the central Place Sainte-Croix, boasts two 75-metre-high towers and magnificent pink stained-glass windows. In the more recent urban areas, a café culture is flourishing.

Two hours to discover the centre of Angers by walking around it!

Discover two natural areas in the centre of Angers. The first is a larger lake with a leisure centre, and the second is a wilder pond. Both are beautiful places to encounter the flora and fauna of Angers. This walk is not possible during periods of high water.

Just a stone’s throw from Angers city centre, Lac de Maine is a 200-hectare green lung. In June 2020, a groundbreaking initiative was launched to rethink the site, with the aim of improving clarity between the different areas and prioritising their uses. The project is due to be completed in 2026. This walk allows you to discover both the Maine and Lac de Maine, whilst enjoying their new enhancements.

A pleasant walk in Parc Saint-Nicolas in Angers. Suitable for families. This walk offers the chance to see grey herons, ducks and several species of birds.

A short walk alternating between urban areas, country roads and footpaths.